Our Mission

The mission of the African-American Affairs Commission (AAAC) is to improve and promote the economic development, education, health and political well-being of the African-American community in the State of Connecticut.

The AAAC accomplishes these goals through information sharing, promoting cultural awareness, community networking, and legislation. [more]

To improve and promote the economic development, education, health and
political well-being of the African-American community in the State of Connecticut through advocacy, information sharing, cultural awareness, community
networking and influencing legislation.

To improve and promote the economic development, education, health and
political well-being of the African-American community in the State of Connecticut through advocacy, information sharing, cultural awareness, community
networking and influencing legislation.

The African-American Affairs Commission (AAAC) will host its 16th Annual Classic Awards at 7:00 p.m., at the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut. We come together to celebrate the accomplishments of African-Americans and their contributions to the State of Connecticut. Presentations will be made to:

Man of the Year - Shafiq R. Fulcher Abdussabur
Woman of the Year - Tamara K. Lanier
Youth of the Year - Drew Valentine
Youth of the Year - Amamihechukwu Nnodum
Lifetime Achievement - Carlton L. Highsmith
Business & Economic Development - Roberta Hoskie

BLACK HISTORY DAY AT THE CT STATE CAPITOL

On Wednesday, February 18, 2015 the State of Connecticut African-American Affairs Commission hosted "Black History Day" at the CT State Capitol. Bill Costen of "Costen Cultural Exhibit" displayed his exhibit of rare photographs, ephemera, memorabilia, fine art and collectibles and Artist Andres Chaparro's art exhibit was displayed, during Black History Month, in the State Legislative Office Building Concourse.

The Costen Cultural Exhibit has been custom designed to travel to any location. Topics address the interests of all age groups and include Slavery, Civil Rights, Invention & Science, Athletics & Sports, Harlem Renaissance, Aviation & Military (NASA, Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen), Music & Entertainment. It has been exhibited at Fundraising Events, Educational Institutions, Museums, Historical Societies, Churches, Community Organizations and Corporations.

Artist Andres Chaparro's work is rooted in mix media incorporating collage, oil pastels, marker, crayon, pencil, acrylic, spray paint and virtually anything else at his disposal. His artwork is fluid and free; the paintings reflect more concern for spontaneous emotion rather than traditional conventions, and incorporate found objects, strong color contrast, and distorted subject matter. His public art pieces and paintings can be found in a myriad of permanent public and private art collections and his work has been exhibited in galleries and alternative exhibition spaces in the United States and Canada. Andres' paints out of his Windsor, CT studio and can be found painting on various surfaces.